Virtual Music From the Library Series Kicks Off Sept. 24th!

The return of Lenore Raphael to our Library is a cause for celebration! We are honored that the Lenore Raphael Quartet agreed to anchor the new, virtual Music from the Library series, curated as always by the indomitable Charlotte McLain.

Charlotte has reimagined the remaining concerts of the Library’s annual music series into virtual events through GrassRoots Community Television. Supporting local musicians is always of the utmost importance to Charlotte, with the usual diverse genres and excellent repertoire.

Lenore Raphael, jazz pianist, is a New York native and frequent performer at the Library with many friends in our community. Lenore convinced the other members of her quartet to pre-record a concert for us in lieu of their scheduled fall jazz night, which would have been the first-ever fundraiser for the Library’s Music, Arts and Culture programs.

Building on the success of our music series, the Basalt Regional Library seeks to secure funding to provide a wide range of arts programming. This fall, in a first for Colorado, the BRL will be a partner with the ArtistYear Americorps, bringing poet and performer Leila Milanfar to the Library for a series of youth workshops. In keeping with our mission to afford our community free and equitable access to information, tools and connections that nurture lifelong learning in a safe and welcoming space, we hope to continue to bring outstanding artists to our community.

It was with this vision that the Lenore Raphael Quartet agreed to create a special evening of jazz at the Library. And with Charlotte’s leadership, the Quartet will do exactly that, albeit in a way we had not previously ever considered! While the virtual concert on September 24 will be free of charge, we ask you consider making a donation of any amount to support this programming. We aim to bring you the very best, year in and year out. Your support helps ensure the vitality and longevity of music, arts and culture at the Basalt Regional Library. To make a donation securely online, visit our online donation page. Donations can also be made by check to Basalt Regional Library District, 14 Midland Ave, Basalt CO 81621. 

About the Lenore Raphael Quartet:

Serendipitous situations often spawn wonderful combinations of personalities and talent. Such was the birth of the Lenore Raphael Quartet. Lenore’s scheduled performance in Boulder, Colorado brought together a reunion with a friend whose son is a fine drummer. Upon meeting him, Lenore asked the son to join her in the Boulder concert, and as Lenore reports, ‘the rest was history’. Lenore had found her drummer, Jesse Simon, Colorado-raised now living in Minnesota. 

Steve Hobbs, vibraphonist, has consistently ranked as one of the top ten vibraphonists in the world by Down Beat Readers and has been Yamaha Performing Artist /Clinician since 1991. Both Lenore and Steve live in the Raleigh, N.C. area and have performed together frequently. Hilliard Greene, bass, a Logansport, Indiana native, is Lenore’s favorite bassist. Lenore, Steve, and Hilliard performed as a trio prior to the addition of Jesse. 

Lenore Raphael Quartet has performed at the Conservatory in Colorado Springs and recently in Manhattan at the Dizzy Gillespie Auditorium. The quartet was scheduled to participate in the Twin Cities Jazz Festival, but the festival was canceled due to COVID-19. When asked what jazz groups or individuals have influenced their style, Lenore responded , “Dave Brubeck, Oscar Peterson, and the Modern Jazz Quartet."

This performance by the Lenore Raphael Quartet will prominently feature the vibraphone. Check out Charlotte McLain's latest blog post to learn more about this fascinating instrument!

We look forward to “seeing” you at the usual time, Thursday, September 24 at 5:30 pm, and new place, GrassRoots Community Television, cable TV channel 12. Check here for additional local listings. All Music From the Library performances will be available to view on Facebook and YouTube after the original air date.